Maurice sneered coldly. “You don’t just love money, you love beautiful women and expensive entertainment too. Honestly, for a so–called monk, you play dirtier than most men I know. I won’t say more, but Franklin, I know exactly what kind of man you are.
”
Franklin’s face did not even twitch as he shamelessly replied, “Solimortal remains in my heart despite my sins. As long as I keep Solmortal in my thoughts, then drinking, gambling, and chasing women are all just small matters. It’s all part of my spiritual practice.”
Maurice let out a cold snort. “Whether you’re truly religious or just putting on an act, I don’t really care. Andrew has declared war on the Driscoll family, and he’s already killed two of our top people. I absolutely will not tolerate him staying alive any longer. So, it’s time for you to take him out.”
Maurice’s tone left no room for argument.
Franklin shook his head firmly. “Sorry, but the payment the Driscoll family gave me has already been used up. You want me fight again? Not happening. Besides, the injuries Victoria gave me damaged my martial arts foundation. So right now, I just want to rest and recover. I’m not interested in any more fighting.”
Maurice laughed mockingly. “Franklin, you might not understand the situation you’re actually in right now. Without the Driscoll family’s protection, Andrew would have had a whole army come after you by now, and you’d be dead and buried.”
He added, “Andrew has already mobilized all his forces and is stirring up trouble all over Blumedale. If you don’t help the Driscoll family destroy him, you’ll be the one who ends up dead!”
Franklin spoke in a low voice. “Maurice, don’t try to scare me. My strength speaks for itself. Do you think some young punk could pose a real threat to me?”
Franklin’s arrogance made Maurice’s blood boil, and he exploded in fury. “Cut the crap, Franklin! Have you been a monk so long your brain’s gone soft? I’ve told you that he’s a killer. He’s already taken down two of our best and declared open war on us. I’ve spelled it out for you, and you’re still wasting my time?”
He continued, “Right now, there are only two choices. Either he kills us, or we crush him early before he becomes a bigger problem. Do I need to teach you this?”
Franklin shrugged. “Fine, what’s your plan?”
Maurice’s tone turned dark. “That bastard is targeting our top people when they’re out in the field. So, I’ll set a trap. Scarlett will be stationed at the Driscoll Corporation headquarters, and you’ll go with her. If Andrew shows up, you kill him on the spot.”
Franklin hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Alright, I’ll go with Ms. Driscoll. But let’s be clear, if things get bloody, my priority is my own safety.”
Maurice waved impatiently. “Fine. Go heal up, speed up your recovery, and leave with Scarlett tonight.”
Franklin smirked. “Then I’ll take my leave.”
The moment he was gone, Scarlett could not help saying, “Dad, wasn’t your attitude toward him a bit harsh? After all, he’s one of the few elite fighters the Driscoll family can count on.”
Maurice scoffed. “Elite fighter, my ass. That useless fool got wrecked by Victoria, a woman. If we had anyone better, I’d have thrown him out long ago.”
Scarlett’s mind stirred as she remembered something. She lowered her voice and said cautiously, “Back at the cathedral, I overheard that bitch Victoria mention something about an old incident…”
